Artifact

I had never really thought about what goes on in the record business, but after watching this film I am horrified that the "suits" can treat the artists this badly and think nothing of it. My eyes were opened, now I will do whatever it takes to support the artist (be it singer, painter, writer, etc) and not support the corporations that continue to try to take all that the artist is. To know that these million selling artists actually make very little to nothing off of their art is sickening to me. I applaud 30 Seconds to Mars for standing up for their dreams and showing the world what it is really like to try to go for your dreams. Everyone that enjoys art of some form, be it music or books or paintings or movies, needs to see this film. Thank you Bartholomew Cubbins.

Overwelming and a mind blower, Artifact The Film opens your eyes to the harsh reality of the music industry through the eyes of Jared Leto and his band, 30 Seconds to Mars. It is a must see for everyone, specially musicians, singers, producers and everyone involved in show business. This film is amazing, a roller-coaster of emotions that took me from laughter, to tears; from frustration to anger, to hope. It is such a respectable effort to say what has to be said about the actual music environment where technology has taking over and artists have to struggle in order to economically survive while trying to make their music. After watching, I respect the band and Mr. Leto even more for fighting so passionate for what is right, for standing up for what they believe in.

Little has often been understood about the depths of the music industry and just what it means to be part of it. Artifact, a project Jared Leto worked on for five years before its online premiere yesterday, is a true testament to the pressures, stresses, strains and conflicts that come from such a business that affects the lives of so many. Over the course of just under two hours, Artifact details, with opinions from industry insiders, producers, artists and the band themselves, the battle Thirty Seconds To Mars endured in standing up for what they felt was right for them. Facing a lawsuit of 30 million dollars, the band took it upon themselves to finance and create the album which would go on to become This Is War themselves, placing themselves in all but financial ruin in the process. Jared in particular describes time and time again, in conversations with lawyers and his manager, the huge task before them, blunt in his views on those that have placed him and his band-mates in their predicament. Although the lawsuit is finally settled, with MARS successfully negotiating the terms they wanted, over the course of over 100 days, the trio and everyone working alongside them are put through the ringer - it is a testament to the band, their unity in the face of huge adversity, that what they went on to create such an impressively powerful piece of work with This Is War. Anyone who is a fan of music, has been to a concert, bought or downloaded a CD or single needs to see this film. It is the most accurately honest piece of work about the industry so few understand ever to have been made in my opinion. Artist, music fan or not - if you want to know what it means to put everything on the line in order to stand for what you believe is right, then see this, and be as I was; incredibly impressed and so proud.

A few hours ago I saw the official premiere of Artifact on the platform VyRT. It made me very emotional and thoughtful, and I still am. This makes a good movie, if you can not let go, even hours later.

I've learned a lot about the music business and this documentary also explains what it means to fight for your dreams and your right and not give up, even when the situation seemed hopeless. Artifact is a documentary about the struggle of 30 Seconds to Mars against the record company and how they still held on to their dreams.

So if you are a musician, trying to break through, if you've already done, or if you are just a music lover, then you should watch Artifact. It will open your eyes about many things.

I was one of a handful of people who had the privilege of seeing this movie on its premiere night in Toronto at the Toronto International Film Festival. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going in and I was nervous that my friend (who had never heard of 30 Seconds to Mars) would be bored. Within five minutes of the film I knew we were in for a great movie. Jared, Shannon, and Tomo open their lives up to the viewer during what is probably the most tumultuous time during the life of their band. This movie is entertaining, informative and heartwarming all at the same time. The band managed to create an award-winning documentary which contains beautiful imagery and appearances from some of the most influential people in the industry, all with a 30 million dollar lawsuit looming over their heads. In the spirit of full disclosure it should be noted that I am a Jared Leto fan from way back, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this film to anyone.